Ebun Joseph: Bertie Ahern's anti-immigrant comments are nothing new to Black Irish people

If feels like Ireland is drifting back towards the political atmosphere of the early 2000s with its draconian immigration policies, writes Ebun Joseph, Ireland’s special rapporteur on racial equality and racism

Labour candidate  Helen Ogbu on the canvas trail in the Claddagh, Galway, with Sabina Higgins wife of former President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins. Picture: Ray Ryan

The anti-immigrant remarks by former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern reported last week should concern anyone who values democracy, equity, and the future of Ireland. Not simply because of what was said, but because of who said it.

For years, Black people and migrants in Ireland have been told that racism here is limited to “a few bad individuals”, anonymous trolls online, or fringe extremists with no real influence.